Acknowledgements

Writing can be a lonely endeavour. I am fortunate enough to have a community of people in my life who make the journey far less solitary.

This book began as my PhD dissertation in the Department of History at McMaster University. I would like to thank the members of my doctoral committee: Michael Egan, Ken Cruikshank, and Tracy McDonald. In particular, I want to acknowledge my supervisor, Michael, who provided me with the right dosage of intellectual insight and emotional encouragement throughout the process. I am very grateful for his support and friendship. And to the rest of the department, thank you for being such gracious colleagues.

I would also like to recognize the various institutions that permitted me to conduct my research. Thank you to the many archivists and librarians who helped me dig out obscure documents and other vital materials for the dissertation. In particular, I want to recognize André D’Ulisse, the head archivist at the National Film Board. André provided me with exemplary assistance. His tireless work and excitement about the project made this book possible. It has also been a pleasure working with Athabasca University Press. I would like to thank Connor Houlihan and the two anonymous reviewers for their insightful feedback.

These acknowledgements would be incomplete if I did not mention Caleb Wellum and Dave Szostak for their friendship and discerning eyes. Many of the ideas in this book were hashed out at the “Wallace” and other local haunts.

Finally, I could not have completed this project without the love and support of my family. Thank you, Mom and Dad. You have been a constant support in my life. Mathew and Melissa and Matt and Jackie also deserve credit for keeping me grounded. Titus’s boundless energy was likewise a great source of joy and inspiration. I also have been blessed with wonderful in-laws. Rick, Karen, Laura, Grace, and Eric have been steadfastly patient and kind.

This book is dedicated to Jayne. When things seemed to be unbearable, she pierced the darkness. When things were chaotic, she brought peace. I love you.